Five Lincoln-Way students have earned national recognition for academic excellence as Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Representing the top one percent of high school seniors across the country, these students are among more than 16,000 nationwide who have qualified for this prestigious honor based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT® exam.
Lincoln-Way Central: Aayan Shariq
Lincoln-Way West: Ben Doggett and Ethan Ferrucci
Lincoln-Way East: Kaitlyn Poidomani and Felix Sacks
According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), these academically talented seniors now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for nearly $26 million in National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded next spring.
To advance to the Finalist level, Semifinalists must submit a detailed application highlighting their academic record, leadership, participation in school and community activities, and other achievements. About 95 percent of Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists, and approximately half of those students will earn a National Merit Scholarship and the title of Merit Scholar®.
Lincoln-Way congratulates these remarkable students on this prestigious accomplishment and wishes them continued success as they move forward in the competition.